Varicose veins are abnormally enlarged veins found in your legs. When the one-way valves in your veins, which are designed to keep blood from pooling in your lower extremities fail to close properly, varicosities develop. This failure of the valves allows the veins to enlarge and become painful. It is known that varicose veins are a common problem that affects women four times more frequently than men. Varicose veins are not generally a health problem, although they may be quite painful. In severe cases, phlebitis (inflammation of the vein) may occur and cause the vein to become swollen, hard and sensitive to touch. Serious complications occur when an open ulcer (venous stasis ulcer) occurs near your ankle. There does appear to be a hereditary component to the development of varicose veins. Other risk factors include: age, your job, pregnancy, oral contraceptives, menopause, the use of estrogen-replacement drugs.
Some of the treatments today for varicose veins are the following:
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